Assam Cabinet Recommends Withdrawal of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act

Assam Cabinet Recommends Withdrawal of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act. Image/NDTV

Chief Minister Makes the Recommendation to Centre

The Assam cabinet has officially recommended to the Central Government the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the Disturbed Areas Act from the entire state. This significant decision comes following a meeting between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Home Minister Amit Shah, during which the roadmap for the complete withdrawal of AFSPA was discussed.

Controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

The AFSPA, enacted in 1958, grants armed forces personnel sweeping powers to conduct operations and make arrests without a warrant in disturbed areas. It also provides them with immunity from arrest and prosecution in cases where they use force, even resulting in death, as long as it is deemed necessary for the “maintenance of public order.” The designation of an area as a disturbed area under AFSPA facilitates the operations of the armed forces.

Gradual Removal of Disturbed Area Notification

The notification of disturbed areas in Assam dates back to 1990, with periodic extensions based on the prevailing situation. In the past year, it was lifted from all but ten districts, and currently, it remains in effect in eight districts: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.

Commitment to Withdraw AFSPA

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had pledged to withdraw AFSPA from the entire state by the end of the year. He expressed optimism and said that it would be a historic moment for Assam. He emphasized the region’s progress towards peace and stability, citing peace accords signed with Assam rebels and the return of many rebels to the mainstream.

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